18th AF commander visits McChord

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Sean Tobin
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, 18th Air Force commander, visited here March 14-15 to observe the 62nd Airlift Wing's unique missions firsthand and to talk to the wing's Airmen about their ideas, issues and challenges.

While here, McDew visited various units and facilities and met with Airmen to discuss some of the innovative programs they have developed. He also held an all-call at the base theater and stopped by the Julius A. Kolb Airman Leadership School to speak with students there.

"I am really impressed with the entire mission here," said McDew. "I'm impressed with all the innovations happening here. It's great to see so many Airmen finding bold, new ways to accomplish the mission."

One of those innovative programs was explained by Master Sgt. Matthew Sollars, 62nd Aerial Port Squadron Training Flight superintendent, who introduced the general to the 62nd APS' "Port Dawg University", a program that streamlines the process of 5-level upgrade training. Thanks to the program, Airmen arriving straight out of technical school become fully trained and mission ready within just 90 days of their assignment here.

McDew also paid a visit to the newly-opened Mini Warrior Zone, an entertainment center in the Airmen dormitories featuring game rooms, movie rooms and video gaming rooms. The center was renovated by dorm residents using funds donated by Better Opportunities for Single Service Members, a joint Army and Air Force program run by the Family & Morale, Welfare & Recreation office here.

The general also took the opportunity to address wing Airmen during an all call at the base theater, where he challenged them to "lead boldly" and to be willing to change the status quo for the better.

"All of you here today are the brightest, most battle-tested Airmen in our history," said McDew. "Because of that, you know better than anyone what works, and more importantly, what doesn't. It is up to you to put an end to useless processes that are being done simply because they've always been done in the past."

One of McDew's last stops was Airman Leadership School where he spoke to the class and answered student questions. Many of those questions related to the current budget crisis and the Air Force's recent decision to suspend funding of military tuition assistance for the remainder of the fiscal year.

"We have a civilian workforce who is being told they need to give up 20 percent of their pay," McDew told the ALS class. "As active duty Airmen, we are not being asked to make that sacrifice. However, there are some sacrifices we will all have to make."
He added that while he couldn't predict the future TA, Airmen shouldn't neglect other means of funding college.

"You have the strongest GI Bill since its inception," said McDew. "You cannot look at that and say that the American people are not giving you the chance to get an education."

McDew wrapped up by telling the Airmen that if they remembered nothing else about what he said, he hoped they remembered his gratitude.

"I have the utmost respect for anyone who chooses to serve someone other than themselves," he said. "I do not know why you chose to serve, but regardless of the reason, I just want to say, 'Thank you.'"